Rain-hit Unani hospital in dire straits

HYDERABAD: The Government Nizamia General Hospital on the southeast of the historic Charminar is in a sorry state. Pounded by the recent downpour, the heritage structure is in dire straits.
Officials working at the hospital said that the rains have brought work at the Out-Patient block to a complete standstill. They are apprehensive that the building, which is in a dilapidated condition, might give way and is a risk to all those working there.
"There is leakage at almost all places in the OP block so much so that it has begun to affect patients.Some doctors work spaces have also affected," said a Unani doctor who did not wish to be identified.
Another source working at the hospital said that the water seepage is a regular feature in the monsoons. The government in general and the the department of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Sidhha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) has done little to alleviate the problem.
"You get to see seepage as soon as you enter. The problem is so acute that the seepage is not limited to just dampness in the walls or roof, but the trickle has reached the floor and there are puddles of rainwater everywhere. We are doing whatever is possible including mopping away the water. But this is the most that we can do," another employee who did not wish to be named said.
It was around six months ago that proposals to construct a new OP Block were floated keeping in view the sorry state of the structure. A foundation stone was laid but work is yet to begin.
When contacted, in-charge AYUSH commissioner Dr Rajender Reddy said admitted that that the department is aware of the problem. Steps are being taken to rectify the situation, he said.
"The building is in dilapidated condition. After being informed of the situation which has come about because of the rains, I have sent an email to all those who are working in the OP Block to vacate the structure," he said.
Plans for the construction of a new OP Block have not been shelved, he clarified. "We have funds for construction. The tender has been opened and the contractor has been identified. We will begin work shortly," he said.
m too has been inundated with water, Dr Reddy said that no such incident has been reported. "There is no truth to these claims. Labour rooms have been constructed recently and are fully functional," he said.